ACT FUND FAQs
Investing in Every Student, Every Day
The ACT Fund is the PTO's most important fundraiser of the year and a key way families help provide the exceptional classroom experience our students receive every day.
As a tuition-free public charter school, our school receives public funding for its core educational program. However, that funding does not fully cover all of the classroom support our students benefit from. The ACT Fund bridges that gap by funding teacher assistants and other essential support staff.
Every family is asked to make an annual ACT Fund contribution. These contributions allow us to provide the additional classroom support that helps make our school an exceptional place to learn.
100% of ACT Fund contributions stay at our school and directly benefit our students.
Why is every family's participation important?
Teacher assistants and support staff funded through the ACT Fund are made possible by family participation.
The recommended annual contribution reflects the actual cost of providing these positions. When families participate, we can continue providing the level of classroom support that benefits every student.
We encourage every family to participate at the level they are able.
Is the ACT Fund tax deductible?
Yes. The PTO is a nonprofit organization, and ACT Fund contributions are typically tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Families should consult their tax advisor regarding their specific situation.
Why does a tuition-free charter school ask families to contribute?
Public charter schools receive funding for their core educational program, but that funding does not fully cover every staff position and resource that enhances the student experience.
The ACT Fund allows our school to provide additional classroom support that helps teachers teach, helps students learn, and maintains the high-quality educational environment our families value.
What does my ACT Fund contribution support?
Your contribution directly supports:
- Teacher assistants
- Shared instructional support staff
- Other student support personnel
- Classroom support and enrichment
These resources directly impact students every day.
Every dollar raised stays at our school.
Why is the contribution different for each grade?
The recommended contribution is based on the staffing model for each grade level.
Some grades have dedicated teacher assistants assigned exclusively to their classrooms, while others share assistants across multiple classrooms or grade levels. As a result, the recommended annual contribution ranges from approximately $250 to $500 per student depending on their grade level.
The suggested amount reflects the actual level of classroom support provided in each grade.
What difference do teacher assistants make?
Teacher assistants make a meaningful difference in every classroom by:
- Providing more individualized attention for students
- Working with small groups
- Supporting classroom instruction
- Assisting students who need additional help
- Helping teachers spend more time focused on teaching
Their presence benefits every child by creating a stronger, more supportive learning environment.
What happens if the ACT Fund goal isn't met?
Teacher assistants and other support staff funded through the ACT Fund depend on family participation.
If fundraising goals are not met, the school may not be able to hire or retain these positions. This would reduce classroom support for teachers and students and limit the individualized attention that helps make our school successful.
Every family's participation helps protect these valuable resources.
Is the ACT Fund required?
The ACT Fund is a voluntary PTO fundraiser. While participation is not required, it is an important part of how our school community provides the additional classroom support that benefits all students.
Contributions are non-refundable, as funds are immediately allocated toward staffing and school support needs based on annual planning and commitments.
What if I can't contribute the full suggested amount?
We understand that every family's financial situation is different.
While the suggested contribution reflects the cost of providing these additional resources, every contribution is appreciated and helps us move closer to our goal. If the full amount isn't possible, we encourage you to participate at a level that works for your family.
Can I make payments instead of paying all at once?
Yes. Families are welcome to spread their contribution over multiple payments during the school year. Please contact the PTO for available payment options.
Why is the ACT Fund such a valuable investment?
For approximately $250–$500 for the entire school year (depending on grade level), your family helps provide:
- More individualized attention for students
- Additional adults in the classroom
- More small-group instruction
- Greater support for teachers
- A stronger learning environment for every child
There are few opportunities for families to make such a direct and lasting impact on their child's daily educational experience.
Thank You
The ACT Fund is successful because families work together to support our school community.
Your participation helps provide the classroom support that allows our teachers to do their best work and our students to thrive. Thank you for investing in our students and helping ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.